Hey guys, I just got accepted into the forum and I've been really interested in starting my new Ant Colony. I've been fascinated by my local Camponotus (Carpenter) Ants, and I have about 5-6 nests I keep a check on inside of trees near the river. It's near the end of March right now, and I need to know when nuptial flights usually are for Carpenter Ants. I live in Alabama. Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys !

I don't have much of a problem identifying Queens from workers but I haven't seen any out and about yet. I found a dead Queen that I thought could be hibernating, however she was in fact dead. Where should I look for Queens during Nuptial Season, what kind of structures do they normally seek.

you could make a black light trap if you really want to get fancy but i find all of mine by taking a walk and looking on the pavement/concrete. also bodies of water. you will find drowning ant queens(even though it is hard to drown them) in a pool pond or birdbath

Hmm doubt I'll be able to do the black light, I've located some nests. Should I look by the entrances to those ? I've tried searching pavement and sidewalks to no avail yet. Hope I can find a Queen this season. So far I've located about 5 nests in my local park.

don't worry it's still really early in the ant season and yes you can look at the entrances to find NOT fertilized queen alates if you find some that means you should really look for the next couple days. constant vigilance is your best friend

Sounds good, I hope I can start my own colony. I've been feeding my local Carpenter Ants honey and fruit to help with their colonies inside the trees. My treat for them letting me spectate their activity. I'm gonna try to go at night and see if I have any luck then, less people to worry about also

Checking the current nest is good to find out when they will fly. If you see queens around the entrances of a nest, they are getting ready to fly. But generally you will find them while walking on sidewalks from April-Sept. I found 1 in Aug in a parking lot, and 1 in Sept on a side walk (in Washington State). Really it needs to be 70+ for them to even think about flying.